Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Employees celebrate International Mandela Day across the district

For immediate release
21 July 2026

International Mandela Day campaign, celebrated across the globe during July, specifically on 18 July, is prioritised by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on an annual basis. On this day, employees across all offices in the Garden Route district organise and reach out to the most vulnerable persons and groups by extending a helping hand in more ways than one. Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger, also joined some of the initiatives throughout the region.

This year, the teams so far reached out to 9 locations to share their 67 minutes in celebration of this generous cause. One more outreach is furthermore planned to happen on Friday, 24 July 2026, which will be the final initiative of the listed events. The outreach will involve a school; however, the schools were close on Mandela Day.

How did GRDM celebrate International Mandela Day?

Blood Drive hosted for the community of George

On 16 July, the first initiative was rolled out by the Human Resources section in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and George Municipality, where they hosted a Mandela Day Blood Donation Drive. The event welcomed 45 generous volunteers of which 29 were returning supporters and 7 brand new donors, who all came together to support a vital community cause. This is the fourth year that GRDM forms part of this multi-stakeholder initiative.

Visit to the drop-in centre in Oudtshoorn managed by the Western Cape Department of Social Services

Staff from the Municipal Health Services in Oudtshoorn visited the drop-in centre in Oudtshoorn managed by the Western Cape Department of Social Services to present a handwashing session with the children and spoil 50 children who make use of the centre’s facility, with “boerewors” rolls.

Office of the Municipal Manager spoiled toddlers from Smart Kids Educare and Aftercare Centre

The Office of the Municipal Manager (OMM) partnered with Smart Kids Educare and Aftercare Centre in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, to donate 36 fleecy blankets to children and also surprised them with hotdogs and sweet treats!

Corporate/Financial Services Department supported the Carpe Diem School in George

The visiting group donated and planted 170 vegetable seedlings and seeds to help restore the children’s food scheme, which was severely impacted by May’s devastating floods.

The group planted beetroot, baby spinach, lettuce, and onion seedlings, alongside carrot, pea, and tomato seeds.

Fire Service together with Working on Fire visited the Rosemoor Old Age Home

GRDM’s Firefighters assisted with a clean-up operation at the Rosemore Old Age Home. The team furthermore spent time with the residents, engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing a few smiles.

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department gave back to the Bethesda Child and Youth Care Centre

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department team visited children at Bethesda Child & Youth Care Centre in George to surprise the children with gifts leaving the children overjoyed with smiles and laughter.

The Disaster Management team generously reached out to the homeless people of George

The GRDM’s Disaster Management Centre gave back to the community of George after they have prepared and distributed warm soup and fresh bread to homeless people near the corner of South Cape College and at the parking area of the Shoprite Centre, especially now during the cold winter conditions.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from George gave back to the George Night Shelter

The George based Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) visited the George Night Shelter to donate clothing items and purchased accommodation vouchers to help provide vulnerable members of the public with a safe place to sleep and access to a warm meal.

GRDM Plettenberg Bay Office participated in a beach clean-up operation to protect the coastline

In commemoration of Mandela Day on 17 July 2026, the Plettenberg Bay Office dedicated 67 minutes to giving back by participating in a beach clean-up. Together, the team collected litter and helped protect the Garden Route’s beautiful coastline, demonstrating that every small act of service can make a meaningful difference.

By reaching out to these organisations/facilities in need, the GRDM team successfully celebrated Mandela Day by turning their 67 minutes of community service into lasting support and dignity for local residents. The municipality deeply thanks all participating staff, partner departments, stakeholders, and community members for making this year’s event a great success.

ENDS